Survey shows Yellowstone elk herd at highest level since '05

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Government biologists say elk numbers in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park are at their highest level in more than a decade.

Results of a two-day winter survey released Wednesday showed more than 7,500 elk in Yellowstone and areas of Montana north of the park.

That's up more than 40 percent compared to 2017 and marks the highest population level since 2005.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologist Karen Loveless says good weather during the aerial survey contributed to this year's high number. But she says trends over the past several years confirm the population is increasing.

The northern Yellowstone herd is popular among hunters and tourists. It suffered a protracted decline beginning in the mid-1990s, dropping below 4,000 animals by 2013 due to hunting, predation by wolves and other factors.

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HAVRE, Mont. (AP) - A Montana woman has been ordered to pay $45,000 in restitution to two casinos she had stolen from as an employee. The Havre Daily News reports that Kyra Lynne Gerber was told to pay the casinos after she pleaded guilty to two counts of theft by embezzlement in September. BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Court documents say a Montana man who fled to Mexico after authorities began investigating him for illegal gun exports has agreed to plead guilty to federal weapons charges....

The head of the Montana Democratic Party is asking for a congressional ethics investigation into whether Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte lied when he assaulted a reporter last year. The request comes exactly one year...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, President Trump signed a bill aimed at cutting regulations on smaller banks. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act is described as cutting "red tape" on community banks and credit unions. It was developed by a bipartisan group of senators including Jon Tester (D-Montana) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho.) Tester, who sits on the Senate's Banking Committee, issued a statement saying the Economic Growth Act will benefit sma...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, President Trump signed a bill aimed at cutting regulations on smaller banks. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act is described as cutting "red tape" on community banks and credit unions. It was developed by a bipartisan group of senators including Jon Tester (D-Montana) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho.) Tester, who sits on the Senate's Banking Committee, issued a statement saying the Economic Growth Act will benefit sma...

DENTON - One family in Denton said they called Fish Wildlife and Parks after they shot what appeared to be a wolf on their ranch. According to KXLO in Lewistown, game wardens came out to pick the animal up and sent pictures of it to a wolf specialist in Great Falls.

DENTON - One family in Denton said they called Fish Wildlife and Parks after they shot what appeared to be a wolf on their ranch. According to KXLO in Lewistown, game wardens came out to pick the animal up and sent pictures of it to a wolf specialist in Great Falls.

To DEET or not to DEET… that is the question. You might not think it matters as long as it keeps those pesky mosquitoes away, but you might want to take a closer look at that bug spray bottle before you spray it on you or your kiddo's. One of the biggest concerns when it comes to bug spray is if the chemical N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, more commonly known as ‘DEET’, is safe to use; especially on children. The good news is that you’re 100% in the clear. ...

To DEET or not to DEET… that is the question. You might not think it matters as long as it keeps those pesky mosquitoes away, but you might want to take a closer look at that bug spray bottle before you spray it on you or your kiddo's. One of the biggest concerns when it comes to bug spray is if the chemical N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, more commonly known as ‘DEET’, is safe to use; especially on children. The good news is that you’re 100% in the clear. ...

People who adopt animals from shelters often call them “Rescues”. Park County’s entire animal shelter needs to be rescued. They’re dealing with mold, cats in tiny cages, and inadequate heating and cooling.

People who adopt animals from shelters often call them “Rescues”. Park County’s entire animal shelter needs to be rescued. They’re dealing with mold, cats in tiny cages, and inadequate heating and cooling.

DENTON - One family in Denton said they called Fish Wildlife and Parks after they shot what appeared to be a wolf on their ranch. According to KXLO in Lewistown, game wardens came out to pick the animal up and sent pictures of it to a wolf specialist in Great Falls.

DENTON - One family in Denton said they called Fish Wildlife and Parks after they shot what appeared to be a wolf on their ranch. According to KXLO in Lewistown, game wardens came out to pick the animal up and sent pictures of it to a wolf specialist in Great Falls.

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GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO - The search continues for four people who remain missing after their car wrecked and landed upside-down in the Selway River in a remote part of Idaho. Newly released video shows the car submerged in a fast-moving river.